Hope, once again, that the NHL lockout will come to an end. And hope, now lots of it, that the national junior team will resume its rightful spot atop the world.

The Canadians' 4-1 win over the home country Russians on the last day of the calendar year was textbook stuff. Their power play and penalty killing. Their goaltending. The picturesque goals and great chances off imaginative plays. Their defensive zone play and ability to work the clock and protect the lead.